For a female dog, the process of giving birth is known as whelping. A dog's gestation period generally lasts a little more than two months, and as the time to deliver her pups approaches, you will begin to notice behavioral and physical changes in your dog that may be symptoms that the whelping time is near.
Behavior
As the whelping day approaches, the expectant mother will become nervous and agitated, which can lead to a number of obvious behavioral symptoms. Your dog will become extremely restless, constantly lying down and standing back up, shifting position and pacing. She may even vomit from nervousness. Depending on the dog, she may follow you around constantly, not leaving you alone, or she may retreat to her whelping box or another dark, confined area and stay away from humans completely.
If she has a whelping box or if she chooses an area to which she retreats, your dog may perform a number of nesting behaviors, such as pawing and scratching at cushions or the floor. She may tear paper or cloth in an attempt to create a nest for her coming pups.
Physical Symptoms
Your dog will begin to drink more and urinate more frequently as a result. She may get bloated and be unable to have a bowel movement. However, you should never treat a whelping dog with laxatives, as this can interfere with the birthing procedure. She may lose her appetite or stop eating all together up to 24 hours before giving birth. Do not attempt to force her to eat.
Your dog's vulva will grow larger as the whelping day approaches. Her nipples may begin expressing milk as many as four days before she actually gives birth.
Temperature
As the time to give birth gets closer, you may start taking your dog's temperature twice a day to monitor the whelping progress. In general, your dog's temperature should range between 99 and 101 degrees Fahrenheit. Once her temperature falls below 99 degrees, whelping will begin within 12 hours. At this point, you may want to start taking her temperature every two hours. Her temperature can drop to as low as 97 degrees; if it reaches this low, whelping will begin within two hours.
If you have any questions about your dog's health or if you notice any unusual behaviors or symptoms while she is whelping, contact a veterinarian or animal hospital immediately.
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